Use Equations to enhance your SOLIDWORKS Bill of Materials

Columns in your SOLIDWORKS Bill of Materials (BOM) can be used for more than reporting model values, quantity counts and custom properties. One of the options is to add a SOLIDWORKS BOM Equation column to calculate and show a result based upon custom properties or other columns in the BOM. This can come in handy when you are searching for a quick method to get a total value that takes into account the quantity of each of the components in an assembly.

How to add Equations to your BOM

Let’s take a look at how to go about creating an equation within the BOM.

1. Create a new (blank) column in your BOM.
2. Double-click on the column header to reveal the selection for the column properties.
3. Choose “Equation” as the property type.
4. Click on the Sigma Symbol to reveal the equation entry dialog.

BOM with Equation Column

5. Enter the custom properties or column items to be used as values in the equations.
6. Add operators, precision, or units as desired.
7. Click “OK” checkmark to close the dialog

Entering Equations

8. The calculated value should now show up in the new column.
9. The Sigma Symbol will be shown in the column header to confirm that the column is driven by an equation.

Equation Entered

There are a vast number of combinations of operators, custom properties, & column values, that can be used to make your BOM far more useful and have it provide additional reporting. Don’t forget to save your changes as a BOM template for later use in other drawings or assemblies.